📖 Overview
COVID-19: The Great Reset examines how the pandemic created conditions for major economic and social changes across the globe. The book was written during the early months of the crisis by World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab and economist Thierry Malleret.
The authors analyze key areas including economics, society, geopolitics, environmental policy, and technology. They present arguments for why returning to pre-pandemic "normal" may be neither possible nor desirable.
The book outlines potential paths forward and discusses how various sectors might transform in response to the crisis. This includes changes to healthcare systems, government policies, business practices, and international cooperation.
The work serves as both a snapshot of a pivotal historical moment and a framework for understanding systemic changes that may reshape human civilization. Its central premise raises questions about the relationship between global crises and societal transformation.
👀 Reviews
Readers view this book with strong skepticism and criticism. The majority of reviews express concern about the authors' vision for post-pandemic societal changes.
Positive reviews note:
- Clear explanation of potential economic impacts
- Detailed analysis of how COVID-19 accelerated existing trends
- Professional writing style and organization
Common criticisms:
- Presents sweeping changes as inevitable rather than proposals
- Lacks consideration of individual rights and freedoms
- Too focused on top-down, centralized solutions
- Writing style described as "cold" and "technocratic"
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 2.7/5 (1,900+ reviews)
Goodreads: 2.4/5 (2,300+ reviews)
Sample review quote: "The authors seem more focused on implementing their pre-existing agenda than helping society recover naturally." - Amazon reviewer
Multiple readers noted the book reads more like a manifesto than an analysis, with one Goodreads reviewer stating: "It presents a blueprint for restructuring society without addressing whether these changes are desirable or democratic."
📚 Similar books
The New Map by Daniel Yergin
This book examines how COVID-19, geopolitical shifts, and energy transitions reshape the global economic and political landscape.
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World by Fareed Zakaria The text analyzes fundamental changes in political, social, and economic systems that emerged from the COVID-19 crisis.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab The book explores how technological advancement and digitalization transform societies, economies, and human experiences.
Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity by Scott Galloway This work examines structural changes in business, education, and society accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth The book presents an analysis of how technology deflation and economic systems will reshape future global structures.
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World by Fareed Zakaria The text analyzes fundamental changes in political, social, and economic systems that emerged from the COVID-19 crisis.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab The book explores how technological advancement and digitalization transform societies, economies, and human experiences.
Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity by Scott Galloway This work examines structural changes in business, education, and society accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth The book presents an analysis of how technology deflation and economic systems will reshape future global structures.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, wrote this book in just three months during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, aiming to capture the immediate global impact of COVID-19.
🔹 The book sparked numerous conspiracy theories and controversies, with some groups interpreting "The Great Reset" as evidence of a planned global takeover, though the authors intended it as an analysis of post-pandemic opportunities for societal improvement.
🔹 The term "Great Reset" was officially launched at a joint event between the World Economic Forum and Prince Charles in June 2020, proposing to use the pandemic as an opportunity to address global issues like economic inequality and climate change.
🔹 Co-author Thierry Malleret runs the Monthly Barometer, a predictive analysis service for private investors and institutions, and has written several other books about global economics and future trends.
🔹 The book predicted several pandemic-related changes that came to pass, including the acceleration of digital transformation, increased government intervention in economies, and lasting changes to consumer behavior and work patterns.